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Steel Beam for Garage

I am planning on putting a steel beam in my garage to attach a chain hoist and trolley to it.

It will not have any structural support of the garage and intended to be used for pulling some engines, and some other vehicle parts for repair and restoration. I am looking at getting a 1 ton chain hoist and trolley.

My question to you is... What size beam do I need for a clear span of 12 feet?

"Beam Me Up, Scotty"

Originally Posted by shortgoroper

I am planning on putting a steel beam in my garage to attach a chain hoist and trolley to it.

It will not have any structural support of the garage and intended to be used for pulling some engines, and some other vehicle parts for repair and restoration. I am looking at getting a 1 ton chain hoist and trolley.

My question to you is... What size beam do I need for a clear span of 12 feet?

Your local steel supplier, unlike what monte thinks, is not noted for engineers. They simply stock, and supply steel. They deliver, whatever size and length of steel you order, that's all.

This calculation is fairly simple, look to Dave's links. Some of the oldtimers here (poke-poke), will have books, that specify what's needed. You have simply, a max xxxx pound load, that may be centered between two supports, xx feet apart.

I would be more concerned with, how you plan to hold up (not really a big deal), and how you plan to stabilize the load (both ways).

The beam will be set on the exterior wall (cinder block). then across to a perpendicular wooden beam. The steel I beam will then be fastened to that cross wooden beam, and the top of the cinderblock wall.

That link you guys mentioned does not exist.. got some type of error on their web page.

"High Beams"

Originally Posted by shortgoroper

The beam will be set on the exterior wall (cinder block). then across to a perpendicular wooden beam. The steel I beam will then be fastened to that cross wooden beam, and the top of the cinderblock wall.

That link you guys mentioned does not exist.. got some type of error on their web page.

The beam will be set on the exterior wall (cinder block). then across to a perpendicular wooden beam. The steel I beam will then be fastened to that cross wooden beam, and the top of the cinderblock wall.

That link you guys mentioned does not exist.. got some type of error on their web page.

Your local steel supplier, unlike what monte thinks, is not noted for engineers. They simply stock, and supply steel. They deliver, whatever size and length of steel you order, that's all.

This calculation is fairly simple, look to Dave's links. Some of the oldtimers here (poke-poke), will have books, that specify what's needed. You have simply, a max xxxx pound load, that may be centered between two supports, xx feet apart.

I would be more concerned with, how you plan to hold up (not really a big deal), and how you plan to stabilize the load (both ways).

Your local steel supplier should have this info of what I beams will carry per span with deflection etc. If not, they should. They do not need to be engineers. They should have charts on their steel from their suppliers.

I would build it as a self-supporting gantry crane. Otherwise, you also need to know how much weight the wood beam and cinder block wall will support. Finding the needed size for the cross I-beam is easy compared to finding what the wood beam and wall will support.